How to Put Bell Boots on a Horse

Bell boots prevent your horse from pulling a shoe by overreaching, or "grabbing" the heel of its front hoof with the toe of its back hoof. Bell boots can also prevent injury from a misstep if the horse is wearing studs. They are especially helpful when jumping or longing, or if the conditions are deep and muddy. Bell boots are essential in preventing injury when shipping your horse, too.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bell boot (Velcro)
• Stiff brush

Putting on a Pull-on Bell Boot

1. Brush the horse's front legs thoroughly, especially the "ankle" (fetlock and pastern). Any dirt will irritate the horse, and depending on how sensitive the animal is, can rub and eventually break down the skin.

2. Turn the rubber bell boot inside out. A bell boot has a small hole at one end and a larger one at the other end. It's easiest to put a bell boot on the horse if you begin with it inside out so that you can grip the larger end. Look for any cracks or signs that it might rip.

3. Pick up the horse's front leg. Rest the hoof on your knee to stabilize it. If the horse isn't keen on keeping its foot there, put the lower leg in the crook of your arm and hold the hoof with your hand.

4. Pull the bell boot on with your free hand. First put the hoof through the large hole, and then pull the boot firmly toward you so that the hoof continues through the small hole.

5. Put the horse's leg down. The boot should be flared up toward the fetlock. Simply pull it down into the proper position. Check that it fits correctly.

6. Remove the boots when you are finished riding, transporting, or turning out your horse. Brush away any dirt or mud and clean the boots promptly, allowing them to dry before storing them.

Putting on a Velcro Bell Boot

7. Brush the horse's front legs free of dirt. This is essential for the horse's long-term comfort.

8. Open up the bell boot completely. Place the boot in the proper position at the back of the horse's hoof.

9. Secure the Velcro into place. The flaps should be "facing out," that is, away from the horse's body. This position will prevent the horse from opening the Velcro if it hits its hoof with a misstep. Check that the boot fits correctly.

10. Remove the boots when you are finished riding, transporting or turning out your horse. Brush away any dirt or mud and clean the boots promptly, allowing them to dry before storing them.

Tips & Warnings

• Velcro bell boots are meant to stay in one position, unlike the freely rotating pull-on bell boots. The stationary bell boots can cause more chafing. If your horse has sensitive skin, pull-on boots are recommended. Or, keep on the stationary boots only for a short time.
• Bell boots are not meant to be worn constantly. Rubbing or chafing can occur even if the boots are correctly fitted. Readjust the boot at least twice a day if the horse wears them for extended periods. Make sure there are times when the horse isn't wearing them.